Chicago minor league baseball teams bring the warm weather fun

Batter up! Baseball season is here! Chicago has two major league teams, but there are four minor league teams in the Chicago suburbs. Watching the boys of summer at a minor league game can be both budget-friendly and a ton of fun.

All the teams offer a schedule full of fun theme nights. There are also many opportunities for running the bases and getting autographs from players. Each team also has a kids' club, and a few offer clubs that promote summer reading, too. Check out their websites to see the events, deals and special offers available.

Promotional game we want to attend: Minions Night on June 30 (which also includes Brookfield Zoo tickets for first 1,500 fans)

The Kane County Cougars are the single-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. On Sunday Funday, kids eat for free, with those ages 3 to 10 getting a hot dog and small drink. On Fridays, the Cougars offer a Family Four Pack, which consists of four reserved seat tickets, four hot dogs, four sodas, one giant bag of popcorn and a post-game fireworks show for just $39.

Promotional game we want to attend: Bark in the Park on June 4. Dogs get in for $6 and can join in the pre-game doggy parade. Kids can run the bases and get autographs post-game.

The Joliet Slammers were East Division Champions in the Frontier League last year and are looking to building upon that success this year with the help of Joseph Ortiz, a former Cubs prospect. The Slammers will host the Frontier League All-Star Game in July. The Frontier League is an independent development league. This season includes 15 games with fireworks.

Cheapest single game ticket price: $7 (before date of game, $9 if purchased on game day)

Fireworks: On Saturdays

Promotional game we want to attend: Harry Potter Night on July 8

Home Stadium: Standard Bank Stadium in Crestwood

The ThunderBolts are the minor league team of Chicago's South Side and the Southwest suburbs that is also a part of the Frontier League. There are different events included at each home game, including Beatles Night featuring a pregame concert by Kaleidoscope Eyes on May 27 and a petting zoo on certain games.

The Boomers are also in the Frontier League. Check out the Family Sundays package, which includes four tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas for $44. If the stadium seems a little familiar, it may be because it was designed using the same dimensions as Wrigley Field. Check out one of the 22 night games with fireworks.